Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways embarks on the 19th Maritime State Development Council meeting  at Kevadia, Gujarat
The 2-day conclave will deliberate better coordination between major and non-major Ports, Coastal Ports and Maritime Boards
Consultation with State Government will assess the future development of existing and new other than Major ports by the respective Maritime States either directly or through captive users and private participation
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways  embarked upon the 19th Maritime State Development Council  at Kevadia, Gujarat. The 2-day summit is chaired by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister, MoPSW in the august presence of Shri Shripad Naik Minister of State MoPSW, Shri Shantanu Thakur, Minister of State,MoPSW. Shri TK Ramachandaran, Secretary, MoPSW along with other senior officials from all coastal states, Union Territories, Ministries of Central Government, Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, etc.
MSDC is an apex advisory body constituted in May 1997 for the development of the Maritime Sector to ensure integrated development of major and other than major ports. The day one of the summit incorporated various insightful sessions around the development of various projects, issues and challenges facing the sector and the significant achievements. The series of discourse threw up countless ideas to foster better coordination among major and non-major Ports, coastal Ports and maritime Boards.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary, MoPSW T K Ramachandran said, “In our efforts to establish India as a major maritime hub, the Global Maritime India Summit 2023 will be a significant turning point. Through cooperative conversations and strategic alliances, we hope to advance our maritime industry towards sustainable growth that is supported by innovation and cutting-edge technology.”
Shri Ramachandran requested all Coastal States and Union Territories Governments to offer unwavering support to MoPSW in expediting these vital projects.
The first day of the meeting consisted of sessions related to Global Maritime India Summit 2023  and the various achievements and opportunities across Coastal States & UTs. The day provided an opportunity to the senior officials and representatives from these states to share in detail about their participation in the Global Maritime India Summit 2023 which is scheduled to be held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 17th-19th October 2023.
GMIS 2023 is a premier maritime sector focused event to bring together pivotal figures from the industry to explore opportunities, understand challenges, and stimulate investment within India's maritime sector. Building upon the legacy of its preceding editions of 2016 and 2021, this third edition of summit aims to unveil broader prospects for domestic and international maritime stakeholders and investors. More than 100 countries and a number of delegates from them are expected to participate in the Summit with exhibitors and investors from various domains of the maritime sector.
On Day Two discussions will be around the various development agendas related to the implementation of Sagarmala Programme; Development of National Maritime Heritage Complex , Lothal, Gujarat; Development of National Waterways; Challenges and opportunities for promotion of RoPax/ Ferries; Urban Passenger Waterways Transportation; Road & Rail port connectivity; Success stories of Coastal States & UTs and Issues/ Challenges faced by State Maritime Boards.